Pivot-arm assembly for a helmet mounted headset

ABSTRACT

A pivot-arm assembly is provided for attaching an ear cup to a mounting feature on an exterior of a helmet. The pivot-arm assembly comprises a mount configured to releasably couple to the mounting feature. A hinge is rotatable about a first axis and about a second axis. The hinge is coupled to a second end of the arm and disposed between the second end of the arm and the mount such that the first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the first axis and the first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the second axis. A biasing member is coupled to the arm and is configured to spring bias the first end of the arm relative to the mount in a rotatable direction about the second axis of the hinge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2015/011159, filed Jan. 13, 2015, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/927,204 filed Jan.14, 2014 entitled “Helmet Mounted Headset”, each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a pivot-arm assembly for ahelmet mounted headset.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment there is a pivot-arm assembly for attaching an ear cupto a mounting feature on an exterior of a helmet, the pivot-arm assemblycomprising: a mount configured to releasably couple to the mountingfeature; an arm having a first end configured to couple to the ear cupand a second end; a hinge rotatable about a first axis and about asecond axis, the hinge being coupled to the second end of the arm anddisposed between the second end of the arm and the mount such that thefirst end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the firstaxis and the first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mountabout the second axis; and a biasing member coupled to the arm andconfigured to spring bias the first end of the arm relative to the mountin a rotatable direction about the second axis of the hinge.

In a further embodiment, the pivot-arm assembly includes a lockconfigured to releasably retain the first end of the arm in apredetermined rotational position relative to the second axis. In oneembodiment, the lock includes a plate having a multi-lobed slot and aspring-biased protrusion extending through the multi-lobed slot, theprotrusion being engageable with the multi-lobed slot to lock arotational position of the first end of the arm relative to the secondaxis in a first position when the protrusion engages a first lobe of themulti-lobed slot and lock the rotational position of the first end ofthe arm relative to the second axis in a second position when theprotrusion engages a second lobe of the multi-lobed slot. In oneembodiment, the protrusion is engageable with the multi-lobed slot tolock a rotational position of the first end of the arm relative to thesecond axis in a third position when the protrusion engages a third lobeof the multi-lobed slot.

In one embodiment, the multi-lobed slot is shaped and configured so thatrotational movement of the first end of the arm about the second axiscauses the lock to transition from the first position to the secondposition. In one embodiment, the multi-lobed slot is shaped andconfigured so that rotational movement of the first end about the secondaxis causes the lock to transition from the second position to the thirdposition. In a further embodiment the pivot-arm assembly includes arelease coupled to the protrusion, wherein depression of the releaseurges the protrusion into the first position. In one embodiment, thelock and the hinge are surrounded by a common housing. In a furtherembodiment, the pivot-arm assembly includes a release configured toselectively release the lock. In one embodiment, the lock is configuredto releasably retain the first end of the arm in two or morepredetermined angular positions relative to the second axis.

In a further embodiment, the pivot-arm assembly includes the mountingfeature coupled to the second end. In one embodiment, the mountingfeature includes a dovetail groove with at least a portion of thedovetail groove positioned on the helmet behind the wearer's ear, themount including a dovetail projection configured to mount in thedovetail groove. In one embodiment, the hinge is a first hinge, thepivot-arm assembly further comprising: a second hinge coupled to thefirst end of the arm. In one embodiment, the second hinge includes agimbal attachment. In a further embodiment, the pivot-arm assemblyincludes the ear cup coupled to the first end. In one embodiment, thebiasing member is coupled to the hinge. In one embodiment, the biasingmember includes a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the arm has anadjustable telescoping length. In one embodiment, the first axis of thehinge is generally perpendicular to the second axis of the hinge. In oneembodiment, the first end is freely rotatable about the first axis ofthe hinge. In one embodiment, the mount includes a dovetail projection.

In another embodiment, there is a pivot-arm assembly for attaching anear cup to a mounting feature of a helmet, the pivot-arm assemblycomprising: an ear cup; and a mount configured to releasably couple to amounting feature on the helmet; an arm having a first portion coupled tothe ear cup, the arm having a second portion moveably coupled to thefirst portion to adjust a length of the arm; a hinge having a first partrotatable about a first axis and second part rotatable about a secondaxis, the first axis being generally perpendicular to the second axis,the first part of the hinge being coupled to the mount and the secondpart of the hinge being coupled to the second portion such that thefirst portion of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about thefirst axis and the first portion of the arm is rotatable relative to themount about the second axis, the second part of the hinge having atorsion spring coupled to the first portion of the arm and configured tospring bias the first portion of the arm relative to the mount in arotatable direction about the second axis of the hinge, the second partof the hinge having a lock configured to releasably retain the firstportion of the arm in a predetermined angular position relative to thesecond axis, the second part of the hinge having a release configured toselectively release the lock.

In a further embodiment, the pivot-arm assembly includes a deployedposition defined by when the mount is mounted to the mounting featureand the ear cup is biased against the wearer's head; a locked positiondefined by when the mount is mounted to the mounting feature, the lockretains the first portion of the arm in the predetermined angularposition and the ear cup is positioned over the wearer's ear, the earcup is spaced from the wearer's head; and a stowed position defined bywhen the mount is mounted to the mounting feature and the ear cup ispositioned over a back portion of the helmet, the ear cup is biasedagainst the back portion of the helmet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the pivot-armassembly for a helmet mounted headset, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplaryembodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the helmet mounted headset in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in the deployedposition;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1 shownattached to a helmet in the deployed position or locked position andillustrating the movement to the stowed position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1 shown inthe stowed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1illustrating the adjustability of the pivot-arm;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1illustrating actuation of the release button;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG.1 shown in the deployed position and illustrating actuation of therelease button and lateral movement of the ear cup;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG.1 shown in the locked position and illustrating actuation of the releasebutton and lateral movement of the ear cup;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the helmet mounted headset shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top perspective view of the pivot-arm attached tothe mounting rail shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a first partially cut away side view of the hinge for thehelmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a second partially cut away side view of the hinge for thehelmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the helmet mounted headset of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the helmet mounted headset shown in FIG. 1;and

FIG. 18 is a top view of the helmet mounted headset shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-18 apivot-arm assembly for a helmet mounted headset, generally designated10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The pivot-arm assembly 10 may also be generally referred to as apivot-arm or a helmet mounted headset.

Ear accessories (e.g., communications devices integrated within a paddedearphone or ear cup) can be critical in numerous helmet deployments; forexample, the need for both protection and communication is particularlyimportant in military, fire-fighter, rescue and similar activities. Earaccessories have been built into the helmet and worn separately beneaththe helmet. An example of a helmet with built-in earphones is thepresent military helmet known as the Combat Vehicle Crew (CVC) helmet.Unfortunately, because the earphones add weight and do not function indismounted operations, and cannot be removed from the CVC helmet, thevehicle crew members are issued two helmets—the CVC helmet and astandard infantry helmet. Other helmets having a mounted headset lackthe functionality and performance of the helmet mounted headsetdisclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pivot-arm assembly 10 includes an arm orcoupling mechanism 12 configured to attach an ear cup 14 to a mountingfeature 16 on the exterior of a helmet 18. A second pivot-arm assembly(not shown) may be mounted to the other lateral side of the helmet 18 ina mirrored configuration to the illustrated pivot-arm assembly 10. Thepair of pivot-arm assemblies may be mirror configurations except fordetails of the ear cups such a microphone 32. The pivot-arm assembly 10may be provided to the consumer in pairs or individually. In someembodiments, the ear cup 14 and/or mounting feature 16 are provided withthe pivot-arm assembly 10 as a kit. In some embodiments, the ear cup 14and/or mounting feature 16 are provided separately such that the arm 12is initially unattached to anything.

In some embodiments, the pivot-arm assembly 10 may allow for the headset10 to be mounted to a helmet 18 and positioned against the wearer's earduring use (i.e., a deployed position, see FIG. 1) and stowed away fromthe wearer's ear when not in use (i.e., a stowed position, see FIG. 3).In one embodiment, the stowed position allows for a very low profile onthe helmet 18. In one embodiment, the ear cups 14 are not visible from afront view of the helmet (i.e., looking at the wearer head on) in thestowed position. In some embodiments, the pivot-arm assembly 10 mayextend over but be spaced from the wearer's ear in one or more positions(i.e., a locked position or float position, see FIG. 7).

Referring to FIG. 1, the arm 12 has a first end 10 a and a second end 10b, the first end 10 a being coupled to the ear cup 14 and the second endbeing releasably coupled to the mounting feature 16. The first end 10 amay be releasably or fixed to the ear cup 14.

In one embodiment, the ear cup 14 is configured to restore “naturalhearing” with the outside environment for improved situational awarenesswhile at the same time providing for hearing protection. The ear cup 14may be a circumaural ear cup. In one embodiment, the ear cup 14 includesa cushion 14 a. In one embodiment, cushion 14 a is configured to becontoured to match the geometry of the wearer's head and provide abetter seal and proper attenuation. At least one of the ear cups 14 mayinclude a microphone 32. In one embodiment, ear cup 14 includes a boomarm 32 a. The boom arm 32 a may be flexible such that the user can bendboom arm 32 a and place the microphone 32 a desired distance from theuser's mouth.

Referring to FIG. 6, a hinge 20 may be provided to position the ear cup14 relative to the helmet 18 in a plurality of positions. The hinge 20may be rotatable about a first axis A1 and about a second axis A2. Thehinge 20 may be coupled between the second end 10 b or mount 36 (seeFIG. 14) and the second end of the arm 12 such that the first end 10 aof the arm 12 is rotatable relative to the mount 36 about the first axisA1 and the first end of the arm 10 a is rotatable relative to the mount36 about the second axis A2. In one embodiment, the first end 10 a isspring biased in a rotatable direction (e.g., toward the wearer's ear)about the second axis A2 of the hinge 20. By providing the hinge 20 withat least two degrees of freedom and a spring bias in at least onedirection, the ear cup 14 may be held against the wearer's ear andeasily moved out of the way to a float and/or stowed position using onehand. In some embodiments, the ear cup 14 may be selectively biasedagainst the wearer's ear in a deployed position and spaced from thewearer's ear in one or more float or locked positions.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pivot-arm assembly 10 may have a deployedposition defined by when the second end 10 b of the pivot-arm is mountedto the mounting feature 16, the first end 10 a is positioned proximate awearer's ear and the release button 22 is actuated, the ear cup 14 isbiased against the wearer's ear. In the deployed position, the cushion14 a may be pressed against the wearer's head when the ear cup 14 isbeing used.

Referring to FIG. 7, the pivot-arm assembly 10 may have one or morelocked positions defined by when the second end 10 b is mounted to themounting feature 16, the first end 10 a is positioned proximate awearer's ear and a lock 30 (see FIG. 11) retains the first end 10 a inthe predetermined angular position, the ear cup 14 is spaced from thewearer's ear. In the locked position, the ear cup 14 may be used incertain circumstances (e.g., to allow for more access to outside noiseor to relieve the biasing force against the wearer's head from thecushion 14 a) and/or moved to the stowed position. In one embodiment,the pivot-arm assembly 10 includes two or more locked positions forspacing the cushion 14 a from the ear in one of a plurality ofdistances.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pivot-arm assembly 10 may have a stowedposition defined by when the second end 10 b is mounted to the mountingfeature 16 and the first end 10 a is positioned proximate a back portion18 a of the helmet 18, the ear cup 14 extends over the back portion 18 aof the helmet 18.

Referring to FIG. 4, the arm 12 may include two or more segments 12 a,12 b that are moveable with respect to one another to adjust the lengthL1 of the arm 12 to another length L2 and fit the anatomy of theparticular user. For example, a first person's ear may be spaced adifferent distance from the mounting feature 16 for the same helmet wornby a second person. The two or more segments 12 a, 12 b may betelescopically coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the arm 12includes a first segment 12 a and a second segment 12 b. In oneembodiment, the first segment 12 a telescopically slides into the secondsegment 12 b. In other embodiments, the second segment 12 b slides intothe second segment 12 b or they are slidable in front or behind theother.

In one embodiment, the first segment 12 a is friction fit with thesecond segment 12 b. This may allow for a user to adjust the length ofarm 12 with one hand when the pivot-arm assembly 10 is mounted to thehelmet 18. In one embodiment, the first segment 12 a is friction fitwith the second segment 12 b such that to move the first segment 12 arelative to the second segment 12 b, a force of greater thanapproximately 1 lbF parallel to a linear axis of motion is required. Inone embodiment, the first segment 12 a and/or the second segment 12 bincludes indents and/or an audible click to indicate the length L1, L2of the arm 12. In other embodiments, the first segment 12 a and secondsegment 12 b are adjustable via an attachment mechanism such as a wormgear and rack.

In one embodiment, the first segment 12 a and the second segment 12 bare generally rigid. In other embodiments, the first segment 12 a andthe second segment 12 b are flexible. The arm 12 may have a curved shapein order to properly position the ear cup 14 over the user's ear in thedeployed position and allow for a streamlined configuration in thestowed position. The first segment 12 a and the second segment 12 b maybe comprised of different materials from one another. In one embodiment,the first segment 12 a is comprised of metal and the second segment 12 bis comprised of plastic.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hinge 20 may have two or more degrees offreedom. In one embodiment, hinge 20 has two degrees of rotationalfreedom. In one embodiment, hinge 20 is provided proximate the secondend 10 b of the pivot-arm assembly 10 close to the mounting feature 16.In one embodiment, the hinge 20 extends over the mounting feature 16when the pivot-arm assembly is mounted to the mounting feature 16. Inone embodiment, the hinge 20 extends over a portion of the helmet 12when the pivot-arm assembly is mounted to the mounting feature 16. Thehinge 20 may be configured to rotate the arm 12 relative to mount 36 ormounting feature 16 about the first axis A1 to position the ear cup 14proximate a wearer's ear when in use and facilitate rotation of the earcup to a stowed position behind the helmet when not in use. The hinge 20may also be configured to rotate arm 12 relative to mount 36 or mountingfeature 16 about a second axis A2 to move the ear cup 14 toward and awayfrom the wearer's ear. In one embodiment, the first axis A1 is generallyperpendicular to the second axis A2. In one embodiment, the first axisA1 is not coplanar with the second axis A2. In other embodiments, thefirst axis A1 is coplanar with the second axis A2.

In one embodiment, the hinge 20 has a first part rotatable about thefirst axis A1 and second part rotatable about the second axis A2. Thefirst part of the hinge may coupled to the mount and the second part ofthe hinge 20 may be coupled to the second portion 12 b of the arm 12. Inone embodiment the first part of the hinge 20 is coupled to the secondpart of the hinge 20. In other embodiments, the first part of the hinge20 is indirectly coupled to the second part of the hinge 20 by a spacerelement. In some embodiments, the first and second parts of the hinge 20are collectively referred to as a single hinge.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first end of the arm 12 may be coupled to theear cup 14 by a second hinge 34. The hinge 34 may be configured to allowthe ear cup 14 to pivot and/or rotate relative to the arm 12 andposition the ear cup 14 to the desired position relative to the wearer'sear. In one embodiment, hinge 34 is a gimbal attachment 34. In oneembodiment, the hinge 34 is configured to allow the ear cup 14 to pivotup to approximately 5 degrees in any direction from a base plane normalto the hinge's 34 center axis. In one embodiment, the hinge 34 isconfigured to allow the ear cup 14 to pivot up to approximately 10degrees in any direction from a base plane normal to the hinge's 34center axis. In one embodiment, the hinge 34 is configured to allow theear cup 14 to pivot up to approximately 15 degrees in any direction froma base plane normal to the hinge's 34 center axis. In one embodiment,the hinge 34 is configured to allow the ear cup 14 to pivot up toapproximately 20 degrees in any direction from a base plane normal tothe hinge's 34 center axis. In one embodiment, the hinge 34 isconfigured to allow the ear cup 14 to pivot up to approximately 20degrees in any direction from a base plane normal to the hinge's 34center axis.

The hinge 34 may be configured to allow the ear cup 14 to rotate abouthinge's 34 center axis. In one embodiment, the hinge 34 is configured toallow the ear cup 14 to rotate 360° about hinge's 34 center axis. Oncemoved to the desired position, the hinge 34 may be retained in place byfriction. The friction force may sufficiently high to retain the ear cup14 in normal operating conditions such as movement of the head whilesufficiently low to allow the user to adjust the position of the ear cup14 relative to the arm 12 with one hand. In other embodiments, the hinge34 includes a locking mechanism to retain the hinge 34 in the desiredposition.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second end 10 b of the pivot-armassembly 10 may be coupled to a mounting feature 16. In one embodiment,pivot-arm assembly 10 is releasably coupled to the mounting feature 16.In one embodiment, the mounting feature 16 includes a dovetail groove 16a. In one embodiment, the mounting feature 16 is a rail (e.g., anAccessory Rail Connectors (ARC)) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,908,667which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In oneembodiment, at least a portion of the dovetail groove 16 a is positionedon the helmet 18 behind the wearer's ear. In one embodiment, the headset10 attaches to the rear portion of the mounting features 16, leaving thetop portion of the mounting feature 16 free for mounting otheraccessories to the helmet such as lights, cameras, etc. The second end10 b may include a mount 36 (see FIG. 14).

Referring to FIGS. 9, 14, 16 and 17, the mount 36 may have a dovetailshape projection corresponding to the dovetail shape of the dovetailgroove 16 a of the mounting feature 16. In one embodiment, the mount 36has parallel sides to allow for the mount 36 to be slid along thedovetail groove 16 a of the mounting feature 16. The second end 10 b mayfurther include a locking mechanism 36 a. In one embodiment, the lockingmechanism 36 a is a spring biased tab that retains the mount 36 in themounting feature 16 when released and allows the second end 10 b to bemoved and/or removed from the mounting feature 16 when depressed. In oneembodiment, mount 36 is coupled to the hinge 20. In other embodiments,mount 36 is indirectly coupled to the hinge 20 by a spacer element.

The hinge 20 may include a lock 30 (see FIG. 11) configured toreleasably retain the first end 10 a in a predetermined angular positionrelative to the second axis A2. In one embodiment, the lock 30 isconfigured to releasably retain the first end 10 a in two or morepredetermined angular positions relative to the second axis A2. The lockmay include a release button 22 configured to selectively release thelock 30. The release button 22 may extend along the second axis A2. Inon embodiment, the release button 22 extends downwardly from the hinge20 when the pivot-arm assembly 10 is mounted to the helmet 18 such thatthe user can release the release button 22 with their thumb whilegrasping the ear cup 14 with the remainder of their hand. In otherembodiments, the release button 22 includes a lever or a knob.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7, the hinge 20 may be spring biasedtoward the wearer's ear in the lateral direction (e.g., about the secondaxis A2) in order to keep the ear cup 14 in the desired positionrelative to the wearer's ear. The hinge 20 may be spring biased towardthe wearer's ear such that the ear cup 14 is held against the wearer'sear and is retained there by the spring force. In one embodiment, thehinge 20 includes a lock 30 to releasably retain the ear cup 14 awayfrom the wearer's ear two or more predetermined positions. Said anotherway, the lock 30 may be configured to retain the arm 12 in two or moreangular positions relative to axis A2. The hinge 20 may include arelease 22 configured to release the lock 30 when actuated. The hinge 20may allow for the ear cup 14 to be rotated about second axis A2 asufficient distance to clear the helmet edge when transitioning thepivot-arm assembly 10 from the locked position to the stowed position(see arrow R in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, arm 12 is rotatable relativeto the mounting feature 16 approximately 180 degrees (see FIG. 2). Inone embodiment, arm 12 is rotatable relative to mounting feature 16about axis A2 approximately 25 degrees from the deployed position to thefirst locked position. In one embodiment, arm 12 is rotatable relativeto mounting feature 16 about axis A2 approximately 15 degrees from thefirst position to the second locked position.

In one embodiment, there are three positions of the arm 12 relative tothe mount 36 with the ear cup 14 aligned with the wearer's ear. If thedeployed position is considered the start position (0 degrees) thenfirst click to a locked position of the arm 12 is 40 degrees from that,which is a first lock position or float position of the ear cushion 14 ajust off the user's head. In the float position, the ear cushion 14 amay be touching the user depending on the user's head width, but therewill be no sealing or ear protection, allowing the user to hear past theseal or the ear cushion 14 a). The next click position would be 20degrees from the float position to the second locked position. Thisposition puts the earcup 14 out further from the user to clear thehelmet 12 when stowing the pivot-arm assembly 10, so the user does notneed to actively fight the spring pressure when transferring thepivot-arm assembly 10 to the stowed position. In one embodiment, thereis an over-travel allowance for the arm 12 to be pulled another 5degrees from the second locked position to help with rotation without athird locked position. In other embodiments, there are additional lockedpositions to position the earcup 14 in the desired position.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the hinge 20 may be spring biased by oneor more torsion springs 24 that spring bias the arm 12 toward the user.The release 22 may include a shaft 22 a. In one embodiment, the release22 includes a button 22 b on the end of the shaft 22 a. The shaft 22 amay be positioned along the second axis A2. In one embodiment, the shaft22 a extends through the one or more torsion springs 24. The shaft 22 aof the release button 22 may be spring biased downwardly by a biasingmember 28 such as a spring. The shaft 22 a may be coupled to aprotrusion 26 coupled to the arm 12. In one embodiment, the protrusion26 is configured to slide vertically with the shaft 22 a but nottranslate horizontally or rotate. The protrusion 26 may extend throughthe lock 30. The lock 30 may include a multi-lobed plate. The lock 30may include three or more slots or lobes 30 a, 30 b, 30 c that areconfigured to receive the protrusion 26. In one embodiment, the lengthof the slot 30 a, 30 b, 30 c controls how far the protrusion 26 may moveand therefore how far the arm 12 can rotate. For example, when theprotrusion 26 is in the first slot 30 a, the arm 12 is free to rotatetoward the user's head. In one embodiment, the ear cup 14 abuts againstthe user's ear before the protrusion abuts against the end of the firstslot 30 a.

When the user grasps the ear cup 14 and rotates the ear cup 14 about thesecond axis A2, the lock 30 is rotated relative to protrusion 26 untilthe spring biased shaft 22 a slides the protrusion 26 into the secondslot 30 b. The second slot 30 b may be configured such that the arm 12is retained by the second slot 30 b rather than the user's ear. Onceretained by the second slot 30 b, the ear cup 14 is spaced from theuser's ear. The ear cup 14 may be further rotated about the second axisA2 such that the lock 30 is rotated until the protrusion is retain inthe third slot 30 c. By pushing the release button 22, the protrusion 26is moved from the second slot 30 b or the third slot 30 c into the firstslot 30 a allowing the ear cup 14 to contact the user's ear.Alternatively, when the arm 12 is retained by the third slot 30 c, thearm 12 can be rotated about the first axis A1 and into the stowedposition. Once in the stowed position, the release button 22 may beactuated to spring bias the ear cup 14 against the back of the helmet18. In other embodiments, the lock 30 includes one or two slots toretain the arm 12 in a single locked position. In other embodiments, thelock 30 includes four or more slots to allow for additional positioningof the ear cup 14 relative to the user and/or helmet 18.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the first end 10 a may be freelyrotatable about the first axis A1 of the hinge 20 from the lockedposition to the stowed position. In one embodiment, the first end 10 ais retained in place relative to axis A1 by the spring bias of hinge 20moving the ear cup against the user in the deployed position and againstthe helmet in the stowed position. The lock 30 may be released in thestowed position such that the ear cup 14 is urged against the surface ofthe helmet 18 to retain the ear cup 14 in the stowed position. In oneembodiment, the ear cup 14 does not clear the helmet 18 in the lockedposition so that the ear cup 14 must be further rotated against thebiasing force about axis A2 to move the ear cup 14 to the stowedposition, the biasing force urging the ear cup 18 against the backsurface 18 a of the helmet 18. When the user is ready to deploy the earcup 14, the ear cup 14 may moved away from the helmet 18 by rotating theear cup 14 relative to the second axis A2, then rotating the ear cup 14about the first axis A1 (see the reverse of direction arrow R in FIG. 2)until the ear cup 14 is positioned over the user's ear and thenreleasing the lock using the release button 22 (see direction arrow B inFIGS. 6 and 7) to bias the ear cup 14 around the user's ear (seedirection arrow C in FIGS. 6 and 7).

In one embodiment, friction in the hinge 20 and/or friction betweenhinge 20 and end 10 b retains the arm 12 in the desired locationfollowing adjustment by the user. The friction force may sufficientlyhigh to retain the ear cup 14 in normal operating conditions such asmovement of the head while sufficiently low to allow the user to adjustthe position of the ear cup 14 relative to the helmet 18 with one hand.In other embodiments, the hinge 20 includes a locking mechanism toretain the hinge 20 in the desired angular position relative to axis A1.In one embodiment, arm 12 is rotatable about axis A1 relative to secondend 10 b approximately 180 degrees. In one embodiment arm 12 isrotatable about axis A2 relative to second end 10 b 360 degrees. Inother embodiments, arm 12 and/or hinge 20 includes a stop to limit theamount of rotation of arm 12 about axis A2 relative to second end 10 b.For example, a stop may be provided to limit the rotation of arm 12about axis A2 relative to second end 10 b when the ear cup 14 extendsover a back surface 18 a of the helmet 18.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplaryembodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and variousfeatures of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unlessspecifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are notlimited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at leastone”.

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elementsthat are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion ofthe invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art,and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding ofthe invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do notrely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particularorder of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims.Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should notbe limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, andone skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may bevaried and still remain within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

We claim:
 1. A pivot-arm assembly for attaching an ear cup to a mounting feature on an exterior of a helmet, the pivot-arm assembly comprising: a mount configured to releasably couple to the mounting feature; an arm having a first end configured to couple to the ear cup and a second end; a hinge rotatable about a first axis and about a second axis, the hinge being coupled to the second end of the arm and disposed between the arm and the mount such that the first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the first axis and the first end of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the second axis in an unlocked position; a biasing member coupled to the arm and spring biasing the first end of the arm relative to the mount in a rotatable direction about the second axis of the hinge; and a lock having a release, the lock releasably retaining the first end of the arm in a locked position until released by selective actuation of the release, the locked position being a predetermined rotational position relative to the second axis; wherein the lock includes a multi-lobed slot and a spring-biased protrusion extending through the multi-lobed slot, the protrusion being engageable with a first lobe of the multi-lobed slot in a first position to lock a rotational position of the first end of the arm relative to the second axis and the protrusion being engageable with a second lobe of the multi-lobed slot in a second position to lock the rotational position of the first end of the arm relative to the second axis.
 2. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is engageable with a third lobe of the multi-lobed slot in a third position to lock a rotational position of the first end of the arm relative to the second axis.
 3. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the multi-lobed slot is shaped and configured so that rotational movement of the first end of the arm about the second axis causes the lock to transition from the first position to the second position.
 4. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 3, wherein the multi-lobed slot is shaped and configured so that rotational movement of the first end about the second axis causes the lock to transition from the second position to the third position.
 5. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1 further comprising a release coupled to the protrusion, wherein depression of the release urges the protrusion into the first position.
 6. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the lock and the hinge are surrounded by a common housing.
 7. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the lock is configured to releasably retain the first end of the arm in one of two or more predetermined angular positions relative to the second axis in the locked position.
 8. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1 further comprising: the mounting feature coupled to the second end.
 9. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 8, wherein the mounting feature includes a dovetail groove with at least a portion of the dovetail groove positioned on the helmet behind a wearer's ear, the mount including a dovetail projection configured to mount in the dovetail groove.
 10. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the hinge is a first hinge, the pivot-arm assembly further comprising: a second hinge coupled to the first end of the arm.
 11. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 10, wherein the second hinge includes a gimbal attachment.
 12. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1 further comprising: the ear cup coupled to the first end.
 13. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is coupled to the hinge.
 14. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes a torsion spring.
 15. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the arm has an adjustable telescoping length.
 16. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first axis of the hinge is generally perpendicular to the second axis of the hinge.
 17. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end is freely rotatable about the first axis of the hinge.
 18. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount includes a dovetail projection.
 19. A pivot-arm assembly for attaching an ear cup to a mounting feature of a helmet, the pivot-arm assembly comprising: an ear cup; a mount configured to releasably couple to a mounting feature on the helmet; an arm having a first portion coupled to the ear cup, the arm having a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion to adjust a length of the arm; and a hinge having a first part rotatable about a first axis and second part rotatable about a second axis, the first axis being generally perpendicular to the second axis, the first part of the hinge being coupled to the mount and the second part of the hinge being coupled to the second portion such that the first portion of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the first axis and the first portion of the arm is rotatable relative to the mount about the second axis in an unlocked position, the second part of the hinge having a torsion spring coupled to the first portion of the arm and spring biasing the first portion of the arm relative to the mount in a rotatable direction about the second axis of the hinge, second part of the hinge including a lock having a release, the lock releasably retaining the first portion of the arm in a locked position until released by selective actuation of the release, the locked position being a predetermined angular position relative to the second axis; wherein the lock includes a multi-lobed slot and a spring-biased protrusion extending through the multi-lobed slot, the protrusion being engageable with a first lobe of the multi-lobed slot in a first position to lock a rotational position of the first portion of the arm relative to the second axis and the protrusion being engageable with a second lobe of the multi-lobed slot in a second position to lock the rotational position of the first portion of the arm relative to the second axis.
 20. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 19 further comprising: a deployed position defined by the mount being mounted to the mounting feature and the ear cup being biased against a wearer's head; the locked position defined by the mount being mounted to the mounting feature, the lock retaining the first portion of the arm in the predetermined angular position and the ear cup being positioned over an ear of the wearer, the ear cup being spaced from the wearer's head; and a stowed position defined by the mount being mounted to the mounting feature and the ear cup being positioned over a back portion of the helmet, the ear cup being biased against the back portion of the helmet.
 21. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 19, further comprising a microphone coupled to the ear cup and extending away from the ear cup.
 22. The pivot-arm accessory of claim 19, wherein the ear cup is pivotable about the first portion.
 23. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a dovetail shaped attaching component to releasably couple to a correspondingly shaped groove of the mounting feature.
 24. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the mount, to upon the mount being coupled to the mounting feature.
 25. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount has a length and a width, the length being greater than the width.
 26. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 25, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the length of the mount and the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.
 27. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the release is disposed along the second axis.
 28. The pivot-arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the release is selectively actuated by moving the release along the second axis. 